Extension apparatus for artificial hair implants

ABSTRACT

Extension devices for attaching hair extension elements to artificial hair elements that protrude from a subcutaneously implanted hair implant anchor body. One extension device involves a cylindrical structure having respective cavities on opposing ends. One cavity receives the distal end of the artificial hair element while the other cavity receives the hair extension therein. Another extension device involves a hair extension element forming a first portion of the device while a second opposite portion includes a projection that is received inside a hollow interior of the artificial hair element. A third extension device involves a core having a hair extension element projecting from one side of the core while a single cavity is located on a second side, opposite the one side, and which receives the distal end of the artificial implanted hair element therein. The hair extension may comprise ancillary hair elements and bud structures. Ornamental structures may be included on the distal ends of the hair extension element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This bypass continuation-in-part application claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. § 120 of international application PCT/US2018/044298 filed onJul. 30, 2018 which in turn claims the claim benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of both application Ser. No. 15/665,369, filed on Jul. 31, 2017 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,993,334) and application Ser. No. 15/718,637 filed onSep. 28, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,212), all of which are entitledHAIR IMPLANTS COMPRISING ENHANCED ANCHORING AND MEDICAL SAFETY FEATURESand all of whose entire disclosures are incorporated by referenceherein. application Ser. No. 15/718,637 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,212)is also a continuation-in-part application and claims the benefit under35 U.S.C. § 120 of application Ser. No. 15/665,369 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,993,334).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to the field of hair replacement and moreparticularly to artificial hair implantation and the extension andrepair of implanted hairs.

2. Description of Related Art

For millennia men and women have been concerned, ridiculed, and evensuicidal regarding hair loss and the physical and cosmetic impact itmakes upon ones' appearance, especially the loss of scalp or facial hair(2-6). Causes of hair loss are numerous including genetic disorders,genetic inheritance, stress from illness, fever, or physical activity,chemotherapy, pulling on hair, curling irons, chemical processing ofhair for shaping or coloring etc., aging, poor diet, thyroid disease,ringworm, and many other skin and non-skin diseases too lengthy to listhere (1,7,8,13,14,17).

While artificial hair has been used to ameliorate the appearance of hairloss, hair pieces or hair implants often do not look or feel natural, asthey repeatedly fail to possess the correct color, texture, volume, ordensity patterns to match existing natural hair growth. Additionally,styling artificial hair is challenging, as hair strands becomepermanently shortened through daily breakage or cutting the hair.

Hair extensions have been utilized to add length and volume to existingnatural hair. Removable hair pieces that can be attached via clips,combs, snaps, or interlocking strips can give the appearance of length,but often are not customized to fit the appearance of the natural hair(18). Moreover, they only provide a temporary solution for shortenedhair or hair loss. For a more permanent option, many hair extensions areheld together by a vinyl strip that attaches near the roots of existinghair with an adhesive (19). Additionally, other hair extensions areattached to existing hair by looping a natural hair lock through a ringstructure to which an extension is attached (20). The ring structurethen slides to the base of the natural hair and is crimped to fasten theextension in place. However, this risks the possibility of extensionsfalling out through daily use, as the rings create obstacles during thehair grooming process. Other extensions require that natural hair betied or weaved together with the artificial extensions, generatingpossibilities of damage to existing hair. (21). Even for those with anatural base of hair, these attachment methods can prove to beuncomfortable for the wearer, limiting hair extension options for thoselooking for semi-permanent hair length with a natural feel.

Despite the multitude of hair extensions on the market, most extensionsrequire an adequate natural hair base to which they are able to attach.For those that do not wish to wear wigs and have hair loss to the degreewhere traditional extensions cannot be discretely and securely fastened,some have looked to hair implants as a solution. These aforementionedimplant systems are preferred, but do not limit the scope of theinvention.

However, even successfully placed hair implants with minimal or no sideeffects have limitations, as they contain artificial hair that ispermanently shortened once breakage occurs or the strands are cut. Hairimplants often do not support the application of traditional hairextensions, as these extensions not only place strain on the hairanchor, but also fail to securely attach. Once breakage or shortening ofthe artificial hair occurs, it is difficult to maintain desired volume,length, and density patterns necessary to achieve natural looking hair.Thus, there remains a need for a means of attaching extensions orancillary hairs to the implanted hair, creating a natural, voluminous,and lengthy appearance without placing excessive strain on the implantanchor.

Incorporated by reference herein in their entireties are U.S. Pat. No.9,993,334 (Loria), U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,212 (Loria) andPCT/US2018/044298 (Lorstan Pharmaceutical LLC) and U.S. Pat. No.5,061,284 (Laghi).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An extension apparatus for an artificial implanted hair element in apatient's epidermis is disclosed. The artificial implanted hair elementprojects beyond the epidermis and has a distal end. The extensionapparatus comprises: a cylindrical structure having a first end with afirst cavity therein and a second end with a second cavity therein; andwherein the first cavity is configured to receive the distal end thereinand the second cavity is configured to receive at least one hairextension element therein.

Another extension apparatus for an artificial implanted hair element ina patient's epidermis is disclosed. The artificial implanted hairelement projects beyond the epidermis and comprises a hollow interiorand wherein the artificial implanted hair element has a distal end. Theextension apparatus comprises: a hair extension having a hair extensionelement forming a first portion of the hair extension and a projectionforming a second portion, opposite the first portion, for being receivedinside the hollow interior of the artificial implanted hair element; andwherein the hair extension element comprises a hollow portion.

A further extension apparatus for an artificial implanted hair elementin a patient's epidermis is disclosed. The artificial implanted hairelement projects beyond the epidermis and wherein the artificialimplanted hair element has a distal end. The extension apparatuscomprises: a hair extension comprising a core having a hair extensionelement projecting from one side of the core and a single cavity locatedon a second side, opposite the one side, of said core, and wherein thesingle cavity is configured for receiving the distal end of theartificial implanted hair element therein.

An even further extension apparatus for an artificial implanted hairelement in a patient's epidermis is disclosed. The artificial implantedhair element projects beyond the epidermis and has a distal end. Theapparatus comprises: a hair extension element having distal portion anda proximal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises ancillary hairelements and wherein the ancillary elements comprise bud structureswherein the bud structures provide points of attachment for further hairextensions if desired; and wherein the proximal portion of the hairextension is configured for being adhesively connected to the distal endof the artificial implanted hair element.

A hair implant suitable for subcutaneous implantation within a patientis disclosed. The hair implant comprises: an anchor body having aplurality of apertures therethrough and wherein the anchor body isconfigured for subcutaneous implantation, the anchor body comprising atleast two artificial hair elements that protrude from a distal end ofthe anchor body and wherein the at least two artificial hair elementsare configured for projecting out of the epidermis of the patient; atleast one of the two artificial hair elements comprising ancillary hairelements and wherein the ancillary hair elements comprise bud structuresthereon wherein the bud structures provide points of attachment forfurther hair extensions if desired; and wherein the other one of the atleast two artificial hair elements comprises an extension apparatus(e.g., an extension apparatus having a cylindrical structure, or acombined hair extension element and an opposed projection, or a combinedhair extension element on one end and a single cavity on the oppositeend, etc.) for attaching a hair extension to a distal end of the otherone of said at least two artificial hair elements.

In certain embodiments, the hair bud structure is solid.

In certain embodiments, the hair bud structure is hollow.

In certain embodiments, the hair extension element comprises ancillaryhairs that are molded to the shaft of the primary hair.

In certain embodiments, the hair extension element comprises at leastone hair bud structure.

In certain embodiments, the hair extension element is a synthetic haircomprising polymer filaments selected from the group consisting ofpolypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyethylene,polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, polyester, andcopolymers thereof.

In certain embodiments, a method of securing an extension apparatus toan artificial implant hair, comprising: (a) attaching the artificialimplant hair to an extension apparatus, and (b) utilizing an attachmenttechnique independently selected from the group of: friction, heat,adhesive, or chemical reaction.

In certain embodiments, attaching the artificial implant hair to theattachment apparatus further comprises inserting the distal end of theimplant hair into the proximal cavity of the extension apparatus.

In certain embodiments, attaching the artificial implant hair to theattachment apparatus further comprises inserting the proximal end of atleast one extension element into the distal cavity of the extensionapparatus.

In certain embodiments attaching the artificial implant hair to theattachment apparatus further comprises: (a) utilizing an implant hairwith a hollow core, and (b) inserting the proximal protrusion of theattachment apparatus element into the hollow core of the implant hair.

In certain embodiments, attaching the artificial implant hair to theattachment apparatus comprises: (a) utilizing a solid hair budstructure; and (b) inserting the hair bud structure into the proximalcavity of the extension apparatus.

In certain embodiments, attaching the artificial implant hair to theextension apparatus comprises: (a) utilizing a hollow hair budstructure, and (b) inserting the proximal protrusion of the extensionapparatus into the hollow hair bud structure.

A method for forming a hair extension on an artificial implanted hairelement in a patient's epidermis is disclosed. The artificial implantedhair element projects beyond the epidermis and has a distal end. Themethod comprises: forming a cylindrical structure having a first endwith a first cavity therein and a second end with a second cavitytherein; positioning a portion of at least one hair extension elementinto the first cavity therein and securing the portion therein; andpositioning the distal end of the artificial implanted hair into thesecond cavity and securing (e.g., using friction, heat, adhesive orother chemical means, etc.) the distal end therein.

A method for forming a hair extension on an artificial implanted hairelement in a patient's epidermis is disclosed. The artificial implantedhair element projects beyond the epidermis and comprises a hollowinterior. The artificial implanted hair element has a distal end. Themethod comprises: molding a hair extension element on a first end of ahair extension; forming a projection at a second end, opposite the firstend; inserting the projection inside the hollow interior of theartificial implanted hair element; and securing (e.g., using friction,heat, adhesive or other chemical means, etc.) the projection inside thehollow interior of the artificial implanted hair element.

A method for forming a hair extension on an artificial implanted hairelement in a patient's epidermis is disclosed. The artificial implantedhair element projects beyond the epidermis and has a distal end. Themethod comprises: molding a hair extension on first end of a hairextension core; forming a single cavity on a second end, opposite thefirst end, of the core; inserting the distal end of the artificialimplanted hair element within the single cavity; and securing (e.g.,using friction, heat, adhesive or other chemical means, etc.) the distalend inside the single cavity.

A method for forming a hair extension on an artificial implanted hairelement in a patient's epidermis is disclosed. The artificial implantedhair element projects beyond the epidermis and has a distal end. Themethod comprises: molding a hair extension element having a distalportion and a proximal portion and forming ancillary hair elements,having bud structures thereon, on the distal portion; and adhesivelyconnecting the proximal portion of the hair extension to the distal endof the artificial implanted hair element.

A method for forming a hair implant suitable for subcutaneousimplantation within a patient is disclosed. The method comprises:forming an anchor body having a plurality of apertures therethrough andwherein the anchor body is configured for subcutaneous implantation;forming at least two artificial hair elements that protrude from adistal end of the anchor body and wherein at least one of the twoartificial hair elements is formed with ancillary hair elements havingbud structures thereon, the bud structures providing points ofattachment for further hair extensions; securing (e.g., using friction,heat, adhesive or other chemical means, etc.) an extension apparatus,comprising the hair extension, to a distal end of the other one of theat least two artificial hair elements to join the hair extension on theother one of the at least two artificial hair elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the followingdrawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements andwherein:

FIG. 1A is an enlarged isometric view of a first hair extensionattachment apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the first attachment apparatus ofFIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C shows an enlarged side view of a hair implant comprising a hairanchor and an artificial implant hair;

FIG. 1D depicts the artificial implant hair of FIG. 1C having suffered abreakage;

FIG. 1E depicts the broken artificial implant hair of FIG. 1D beingrepaired using the first attachment apparatus of FIG. 1A, shown incross-section;

FIG. 2A is a partial isometric view of a second hair extensionattachment apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2B shows an enlarged side view of a hair implant comprising a hairanchor and artificial hair element with a hollow inner core;

FIG. 2C depicts the artificial implant hair of FIG. 2B having suffered abreakage;

FIG. 2D depicts the broken artificial implant hair of FIG. 2C beingrepaired using the second attachment apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a third hair extension attachmentapparatus of the invention;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged, front view of a hair implant repair utilizingthe third attachment apparatus of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of a hair implant utilizing a furtherembodiment of the first attachment apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a hair implant comprising aplurality of hair elements, using the various extension attachments, andwherein bud structures, both solid and hollow, are also provided toserve as points of attachment for additional hair extensions to providea more fuller hair look, if desired;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a hair implant utilizing a furtherembodiment of the second attachment apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view of a hair implant utilizing a furtherembodiment of the third attachment apparatus of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of a hair implant utilizing a furtherembodiment a hair extension element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The goal of adding artificial hair elements to the body is to achieve anatural appearance with minimal to no side effects. Observing thenatural form of existing living hair follicles and their anatomy hasprovided valuable information regarding desirable structural andfunctional elements of artificial hair implant extension materials,design, and attachment technique.

Natural hair visibly appears exiting from the skin from the deeperdermal layer. This is a very important observation (9,10). If oneexamines traditional hair weaves, hair extensions, or similar hairsystems, the hair exits from above the skin and often looks unnaturalwhen it does not match the natural hair color or hair density patternsthat are found with natural hair growth on the sides and back of thescalp. Upon close inspection of these hair systems, it is possible tosee the artificial substrate to which the hair is anchored. In addition,the hair system requires some type of mechanism for anchoring thesubstrate to the skin itself, such as tape, glue, or some type of clip.This type of system is like wearing a thick wooly hat which can beuncomfortable at times regarding heat, sweating, and irritation.

Natural anatomic hair density and patterns vary according to a person'sage and sex. Extending the length of implanted hairs with an extensionsystem serves as a method of achieving a lengthier and denser appearanceeven when there are few naturally grown hairs to which the extensionsmay adhere. Ideally, achieving the appropriate hair density results maybe aided by utilizing a sleek and narrow implant design which allowsclose placement or approximation between each hair implant. The hairimplant design preferably mimics the general size and shape of thenatural hair follicle (11,12). This issue of achieving high hairdensities becomes critical for women and young men because, in a largemajority of times, they have very full and dense hair patterns showingno signs of hair loss, hair recess patterns, or any balding patternswhatsoever. Any type of hair restoration that yields a low-density lookwill result in a sub-optimal look for such patients, which results indisappointment and low self-esteem.

Traditional use of artificial hair, such as hair pieces, weaves, wigs,etc., can achieve the hair density and pattern, but these systems arejust too unnatural looking and are very uncomfortable generating heat,sweat, and, in addition, skin irritation, inflammation and tractionalopecia resulting in further natural hair loss (13-16).

There are about 100,000 hairs on the human scalp, and about 5 million onthe human body. There are about 120 square inches of hair bearing skinon the scalp. Each square inch, or 6.4 square centimeters, comprises 833hairs, or about 130 hairs per square centimeter.

Hair loss is not perceived or observed until about 50% is lost. Theultimate goal in hair restoration is to achieve the appearance of a fullhead of hair, which can be achieved by providing only 50% of the normalquantity of hair per unit area. The invention can provide the appearanceof a full head of hair or something less for those whose hairrestoration goals are more modest.

The invention preferably enables adding hair extensions to implantedhairs to add volume, length, and/or repair breakage. The extra densitywill maintain the appearance of a full head of hair for a greater lengthof time.

Upon examining the scalp, it will be observed that most hair folliclesnaturally group close together in clusters, and typically are notisolated as single hair follicles. These natural groupings are termed“follicular units” or FUs. This aspect of natural anatomy has been takeninto consideration in the design and manufacturing of the artificialhair implant extensions.

Creating an extension system allowing for ancillary hairs to attach tohair extension strands not only adds length to shortened hair andrepairs breakage, but also adds volume by resembling the clusters ofhair naturally found in FUs. This system even allows for more hair to beadded over time through the use of hair bud structures, counteractingprogressive hair loss.

Thus, there are several features in the natural anatomic design that canbe emulated in the artificial design to meet the patient's goals ofachieving a full or near full complement of naturally feeling andlooking hair. Artificial implant hair extension apparatuses of theinvention preferably provide one or more of the following features: (1)the implant hair and the extension element meeting in a natural,continuous-looking fashion, (2) natural hair density and pattern, and(3) appropriate anchoring of the hair extension to the implant hair toprevent the extension strands from falling out.

Hair Implantation: Structure, Function, and New InnovativeConsiderations

Natural Look

Obtaining the natural look of hair length and density can beaccomplished by emulating the natural hair fiber. The hair strand(s)within the extension apparatus can be tailored in color, shape, length,etc., to the anatomic location and cosmetic desires and needs of thepatient. For example, hair implant extensions can be custom designed tobe long, short, straight, curly, black, or blonde, etc. Hair implantextensions can also be customized for the eyebrows, pubic, and otherareas of the body. See, e.g., Otberg et al. (58).

Materials suitable for the hair extension strand component of theinventive extension apparatus include but are not limited to human hair,animal hair and synthetic polymers. Non-limiting examples of polymerssuitable for synthetic hair include one or more of polypropylene,polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile,polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane and polyester.

Hair suitable for use in the invention can be straight, tightly curledor loosely curled. Suitable hair can be colored, partially colored oruncolored. The length of the hair fibers is not particularly limited,but suitable hair fibers are preferably at least 5 cm or at least 10 cmor at least 15 cm in length for ease of styling after application. Hairmaterials suitable for use in the invention preferably have a diametersimilar to naturally occurring hair, for example, ranging from 0.02 to0.2 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the hair is preferably ellipticalor round, like naturally occurring hair.

Suitable hair for application of hair extensions includes solid hair,hair with a hollow internal hair chamber, hair with ancillary hairsstemming from the primary hair strand, and hair with budding structuresthat allow direct attachment of hair extension strands. Said hair may beof various textures and colors. Applied hair extensions may similarly besolid, possess a hollow internal hair chamber, possess a proximalprotrusion, have ornamentation, have ancillary hairs, or feature hairbudding structures. The hair extensions may also comprise various hairtextures and colors.

Materials suitable for use if the attachment apparatus component of theinvention include metals, plastics, silicone, rubber, and polymers ofpolypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyethylene,polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane and polyester.

Implant hair extensions may also be suitably attached through methodscomprising adhesive, heat, chemical means, or an attachment apparatusthat attaches the hair extension to the implant hair element viafriction, heat, adhesive, or other chemical means.

Design

Introduction

The design used for the hair implant extension apparatuses of theinvention involves hair extension elements of a certain length, texture,internal structure, external structure, and attachment mechanisms tooptimize certain objectives such as providing secure attachment, naturaland appropriate hair density and pattern placement, and structuralintegrity to prevent breakage.

Natural Look of Lengthened Hair

One key design factor for making hair implant extensions look as naturalas possible is adding the extension apparatus to the end of an existingimplant hair element, giving the appearance of a continuous strand ofhair exiting the scalp. Natural hair exiting the scalp (with all of itsnatural anatomic features) is the ultimate goal to parallel.

The natural hair exiting the epidermis has certain anatomic featuressuch the distal end of the hair implant extension having a tubular shapeand minimal diameter. With an appropriate distal to proximal wideningslope, the hair implant extension will allow internal sloping to be thesame or similar to natural hair. Additionally, designing a wide array ofcolors, textures, lengths, and densities of extensions will allow theextension strand to match the appearance of the implanted strand, givinga cohesive look.

Hair Density and Hair Pattern

Hair density and patterns vary among men and women, among the young andold, among race and religions. Natural looking hair, whether theimplants are sparsely or closely placed, can achieve the desired hairdensity and pattern goals for each patient. The high density or “verythick look”, for the young and women, can be achieved by utilizing hairextension elements that have the ability to add ancillary hair elements,resulting in a dense natural hair pattern look. Conversely, a less denseextension can be utilized for elderly men, as desired.

Anchoring of the Hair Implant Extension

Design, involving the attachment apparatus will be the most significantaspects regarding hair implant extension anchoring. The attachmentapparatus utilized will depend on the internal and external features ofthe implanted hair to which it will attach.

The internal structure of the implant hair to which the apparatus willattach may be solid or have a hollow core. Implant hair elements withhollow internal hair chambers or cores may be augmented with anextension containing an embodiment of the second attachment apparatuscomprising a proximal protrusion to fit within the hollow chamber. Thismethod is particularly effective to achieve a seamless connectionbetween the implant hair and the extension strand. Solid hair elementsmay be augmented with an extension by being inserted into a furtherembodiment of an attachment apparatus such as the first or thirdattachment apparatuses that remain on the outside of the hairs.

The internal structure of the attachment apparatus may vary according tothe embodiment. The first attachment apparatus comprises a solidcylindrical structure into which a first cavity on one end of thestructure is formed while a second cavity is formed in the secondopposite end of the structure. The implant hair inserts into one of thecavities, while the extension element(s) inserts into the other cavity.The third attachment apparatus also comprises a solid structure intowhich a single cavity is formed on one end of the structure. On theother end of the solid structure, opposite the single cavity, a hairextension element is molded to the attachment structure itself and maybe a single hair, multiple hairs, or possess hair buds or ancillaryhairs stemming off of primary hairs. The second attachment apparatus,however, comprises no cavities and instead possesses a protrusion thatmay be inserted into a hollow implant hair, hollow hair bud, or hollowextension strand. The fourth attachment apparatus also possesses thisprotrusion-like structure, but due to its ornamental nature, it can bemodified to have the attachment mechanism of the first, second, or thirdattachment apparatuses used therewith.

The external structure of the hair extension element of the apparatusmay contain ancillary hairs or hair bud structures. Ancillary hairs maybe permanently attached to the primary hair of the extension. Hair budstructures may also emerge from the primary hair and serve as points ofattachment for ancillary hairs. These structures may be solid or hollowprotrusions and can allow for extra hair density and volume as well asfor additional adding/subtracting of density and volume over time. Forsolid hair buds, an extension apparatus embodiment with an externalattachment system, such as the first or third attachment apparatuses ispreferable to add length to the primary hair. For hollow hair buds, anextension apparatus embodiment with an internal attachment system, suchas the second or fourth attachment apparatuses is preferred, as theprotrusion on the attachment apparatuses may insert into the hollow bud.

While the extension strands comprising the ancillary hair and hair budstructures are preferably attached with an apparatus, they may also beattached directly to the implant hair itself via adhesive, heat, orother chemical means.

Hair Implant Extension Features

There are two main concerns when making hair extensions—unnaturalappearance and falling out.

Traditional artificial hair extensions may have an unnatural appearance,as the extension layer may sharply contrast with the overlying naturalhair or the area of adhesion is visible. This problem can be alleviatedwith an extension that continues the existing strand of implanted hair,resulting in a lengthened, seamless look.

The following discussion of the present invention involves the use ahair implant anchor 1 implanted under the epidermis 3 of the patient andhaving an artificial hair element(s) 2, secured inside the implantanchor 1, and protruding from the epidermis 3. Although the structure ofthe hair implant 1 forms no limitation on the hair extensions andattachment devices discussed below, by way of example only, the hairimplant anchor 1 may comprise those discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,334(Loria), U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,212 (Loria) and PCT/US2018/044298, all ofwhich are owned by the same Assignee as the present application, namely,Lorstan Pharmaceutical, LLC of Doral, Fla. and all of whose entiredisclosures are incorporated by reference herein. These exemplary hairimplants 1 (shown throughout the figures) comprise anchor bodies with aplurality of apertures or tunnels which are configured to receive andretain collagen ligatures (not shown) that are capable of anchoring theanchor body in the subcutaneous layer of the patient. It should befurther noted that a trunk portion 2A of the implant hair 2 comprises athicker zone diameter (e.g., 5-30 mm) than the remaining upper portionof the implant hair 2.

FIG. 1A shows an isometric view of a first attachment apparatus 20A ofthe invention. The first attachment apparatus 20A possesses acylindrical outer shape with a distal cavity 38 and a proximal cavity 40into which hair elements may be inserted.

FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the first attachment apparatus20A taken along line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A. The core of the apparatus 20Acomprises a cylinder with the distal cavity 38 and the proximal cavity40 formed therein, thereby resulting in an “H-shaped” configuration incross-section (FIG. 1B). Thus, the core comprises a cylindrical sidewall32 having an internal solid horizontal component 34 at a substantiallycentral location 36.

FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of a hair implant comprising a hairanchor 1 and implant hair 2, wherein the implant is anchored within theepidermis 3.

FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional view of the same implant of FIG. 1C, butwherein the implant hair 2 has been subjected to a breakage 30,resulting in a loose piece of the implant hair 2.

FIG. 1E shows a cross sectional view of the correction of the breakagein FIG. 1D using the first attachment apparatus 20A. In particular, thetwo formed cavities allow for insertion of the implant hair 2 into theproximal cavity 40 and the implant extension 22 into the distal cavity38. The vertical sides 32 are in contact with the sides of the implantedhair 2 and the extension 22, providing stability. The implant hair 2 andextension 22 may be secured within the apparatus 20A with adhesive 42.Additional embodiments of the apparatus may allow for the securing ofhair strands within the apparatus through heating, chemical reaction, orfriction.

FIG. 2A shows an isometric view of a second attachment apparatus 20B ofthe invention, wherein the apparatus comprises a protrusion element 46and an attached extension element 22, and wherein the extension element22 has a hollow core 44.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of a hair anchor 1 and implant hair2, wherein the implant hair 2 also comprises a hollow core 44.

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the same hair implant of FIG.2B, wherein the implant hair 2 is broken into two pieces at the point ofhair breakage 30.

FIG. 2D shows the correction of the hair breakage in FIG. 2C byutilizing the second attachment apparatus 20B comprising an extensionelement 22 and the protrusion element 46 molded into a singleembodiment. The protrusion 46 inserts into the hollow core 44 of theimplant hair 2. The protrusion 46 may be held within the hollow core 44through adhesive 42, friction, heating, or further chemical means.

FIG. 3A shows an isometric view of the third attachment apparatus of theinvention, wherein the apparatus has a cylindrical outer appearance andcomprises a core with solid vertical sides 32 connected at their distalends by a solid horizontal component 34, forming a proximal cavity 40. Ahair extension element 22 emerges from the horizontal component 34. Itshould be noted that there is no other cavity present in thisembodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of a hair implant utilizing an embodiment ofthe third attachment apparatus 20C of the invention. The thirdattachment apparatus 20C is attached to the implanted hair 2 by fittingthe implanted hair inside the apparatus' cavity 40. The implanted hair22/third apparatus 20C may be held in place via adhesive, heating,chemical means, or friction.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of another embodiment of the first attachmentapparatus 20A of the invention. An embodiment of the first attachmentapparatus 20A is used to connect the implant hair 2 to a plurality ofhair extension elements 22. This embodiment of the first attachmentapparatus 20A allows multiple hair extension elements 22 to be insertedinto the apparatus' distal cavity 38. The implant hair 2 is insertedinto the proximal cavity 40. The vertical sides 32 are in contact withthe sides of the implant hair 2 inside the proximal cavity 40 and withthe sides of the plurality of extension elements 22 inside the distalcavity 38, thereby adding stability. The hair extension elements 22 maybe inserted into the distal cavity 38 as a cluster or individually, eachhair extension element 22 inserted into an individual, smaller distalsubcavity (not shown). The hair implant 2 and extension elements 22 maybe firmly held within the apparatus 20A through friction, heating,adhesive, or other chemical means.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of an exemplary hair anchor 1 with a pluralityof implant hairs 2 utilizing the extension apparatuses (e.g., apparatus20A and apparatus 20B) of the invention, as described previously. Inaddition, to allow a more “fuller look of hair,” buds 26 and 28 are alsoprovided on the hair extension elements 2 or 22 to permit other hairextensions to be added thereto at a future time, as shown by the variousinsets in FIG. 5. In particular, the implant hair 2 itself, or the hairextension elements 22, may contain solid hair bud structures 26, smallprojections that serve as points of attachment for hair extensionelements 22. An embodiment of the first attachment apparatus 20A mayattach to the solid hair bud 26, with the bud 26 being inserted into theproximal cavity 40 of the apparatus 20A and the hair extension element22 inserted into the distal cavity 38 of the apparatus 20A. Hollow hairbuds 28 may also be present on the hair extension elements 22 or implanthairs 2 into which extensions with protrusions 46 may be inserted.Hollow hair buds 28 may also permit a fourth attachment apparatus 20D tobe applied, wherein the protrusion 46 of the apparatus 20D is insertedinto the hollow hair bud 28. The fourth attachment apparatus 20Dcomprises a hair extension element 22 having an ornamental structure 50,which may include but is not limited to flowers, beads, or feathers.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a further embodiment of the secondattachment apparatus 20B of the invention. The utilized implant hair 2comprises a hollow core 44, to which an extension 22 may be insertedinto its distal end 48. The extension 22 may comprise a secondattachment apparatus 20B complete with a protrusion 46 to be insertedinto the distal end 48 of the implant hair 2 and remain inside thehollow core 44. The extension element 22 comprises both ancillary hairelements 24 permanently molded to the primary extension element hair 22as well as hair bud structure 26 that can allow for the addition andremoval of ancillary hairs as desired. The protrusion 46 may be adheredwithin the hollow core 44 of the implant hair element via adhesive,heating, friction, or other chemical means.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of another embodiment of the third attachmentapparatus 20C of the invention. As mentioned previously, the apparatus20C comprises a single proximal cavity 40 and a primary extension strand22 emerging from the apparatus. The primary extension strand comprisesancillary hairs 24 and hair buds 26 for optional addition and removal ofthe ancillary hairs. An implant hair 2 may be inserted into the proximalcavity 40. The inner vertical sides 32 of the attachment apparatus 20Care in parallel contact with the implant hair 2 for stability, and maybe adhered to the implant hair 2 via adhesive, heating, friction, orother chemical means.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of another embodiment of an extensionapparatus of the invention. The extension 22 comprises ancillary hairs24 and hair buds 26 for optional removal and addition of ancillaryhairs. The end of the extension 22 overlaps with the end of the implanthair 2 and is fixed with adhesive 42. It is important to note that thehair extension element 22 of FIG. 8 utilizes no connector.

Attachment Technique

A primary concern with traditional hair extensions is the possibility ofthe extension falling out of the hair. When attempting to repairbreakage of implanted hair or add length to the implanted hair, there isan added concern of placing stress on the hair anchor. The inventionpossesses features to lengthen the implant hair without causing damageto the existing implant.

The preferred attachment technique may include several attachmentapparatuses, including but not limited to the first attachment apparatus20A comprising vertical sides connected at a substantially central pointby a horizontal component. As mentioned previously, the two cavitiesformed, one distal and one proximal, allow for the end of the broken orshortened implant strand to be inserted into the proximal concavity,while the end of the extension element(s) may be inserted into thedistal cavity. The vertical sides come into parallel contact with thehairs, adding stability. Friction, heating, adhesive, or other chemicalmeans may hold the hairs in place within the attachment apparatus.

As also mentioned previously, the second attachment apparatus may alsobe used, wherein the second attachment apparatus 20B comprises aproximal protrusion with an attached hair extension element or pluralityof extension elements. This apparatus 20B is preferably utilized withimplant hairs that possess internal hair chambers or hollow cores, asthe protrusion from the attachment apparatus will insert into thehollowed space. The protrusion may be held in place within the hollowcore through friction, heating, adhesive, or other chemical means. Thisparticular attachment apparatus creates the appearance of a seamlessstrand of hair with no external protrusions.

Further techniques include but are not limited to a third attachmentapparatus 20C, wherein vertical sides are connected at the top by ahorizontal component. The hair extension strand(s) emerge from thehorizontal component. Only a proximally facing cavity is formed by thestructure, allowing the implant hair 2 to be inserted into the cavity.The implant hair can be secured in place via friction, heating,adhesive, or other chemical means.

For those wishing to add extensions with ornamental adornment includingbut not limited to flowers, beads, or feathers, an embodiment of thefourth attachment apparatus 20D may be utilized in which the ornamentalfeature is connected to the hair extension element 22 itself. The fourthattachment apparatus is preferably utilized with implant hairs withhollow cores or with hollow hair buds into which the protrusion may beinserted. The protrusion may be held in place via friction, heating,adhesive, or other chemical means.

Manufacturing of Implant Extensions

There are many types of hairs on the body including scalp, facial,eyebrow, arm and leg, pubic, eyelash, etc., and the manufacturingprocess can be modified to produce the appropriate hair implants for theskin area in question. Thus, for example, eyebrow hair implants will besmaller than scalp hair implants.

Implant extensions can be manufactured by a variety of differentprocesses, including by injection molding and 3-D printing. Theattachment apparatus preferably comprises a material selected forcertain characteristics such as appropriate durometer, molecular weight,crosslinking, and strength. These characteristics help to provide theappropriate strength to withstand oxidation and fracturing duringinstallation and daily activity.

In a preferred embodiment, medical grade silicone is used for attachmentapparatus production. The silicone material is typically in a liquidform and in two parts. Upon mixing the two parts, part A and part B, achemical reaction will occur and cause a silicone rubber to be formed.This liquid-to-solid reaction can be controlled by keeping the mixturecold to slow down the liquid-to-solid reaction and allow time to injectthe liquid silicone into the mold. After being injected into the mold,heat is applied to complete the liquid-to-solid formation reaction.

The mold preferably comprises a multitude of cavities for receiving theliquid to be solidified to form the attachment apparatus components ofthe extension apparatus. The number of mold cavities is not particularlylimited, and in certain embodiments can range from 1 or 10 or 100 or1,000 or 10,000 cavities to 10 or 100 or 1,000 or 10,000 or 100,000cavities per mold.

The fluid in the cavities should preferably be free of air bubbles,voids and the like. In certain embodiments, the anchor mold comprisestwo plates which are used in a process that minimizes or avoids airbubbles—a first plate having a plurality of holes through it and asecond plate that closes off the holes in the first plate. The twoplates are immersed in silicone liquid with the second plate being usedto force the silicone liquid through the holes in the first plate (likea plunger on a syringe) until the two plates are in contact with eachother. The excess silicone fluid is then scraped off the surface of thefirst plate to provide a mold having a plurality of cavities filled withsubstantially bubble-free liquid silicone.

In unitary hair extension attachment apparatuses of the invention (suchas the second 20B or third attachment apparatus embodiments), hairstrands are formed with or as a portion of the attachment apparatususing, e.g., molds including the attachment apparatus and hair and/or bydrawing filaments from the attachment apparatus while it is still in anuncured state.

In non-unitary embodiments such as the first attachment apparatusembodiment, the strands of hair to be inserted in the attachmentapparatuses are preferably pre-coated with silicone (or other bondingagent or primer compatible with silicone, such as alkoxy silane monomersor polymers as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,284 (Laghi), whose entiredisclosure is incorporated by reference herein, to a length of, e.g.,2-10 mm or 6-8 mm or 7 mm, placed in the concavities, and then allowedto form a solid.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof.

REFERENCES CITED

(1) MEDLINEPLUS (2017). Hair loss. Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003246.htm.

(2) INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY (2003).Psychological effects of hair loss in women.http://www.ishrs.org/articles/hair-loss-effects.htm.

(3) KARAMAN et al. (2006). Androgenetic alopecia: Does its presencechange our perceptions?. International journal of dermatology, 45(5),565-568.

(4) BERNSTEIN, R. (2009) Psychological aspects of balding.https://www.bernsteinmedical.com/hair-loss/faq-myths-more/psychological-aspects-of-balding/.

(5) CASH, T. F. (1992). The psychological effects of androgeneticalopecia in men. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 26(6),926-931.

(6) MAPES, D. (2008). The fallout of hair loss: Suffering in silence.Skin and beauty. NBC News.http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26895411/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/t/fallout-hair-loss-suffering-silence/#.WaWCdMmYbF5.

(7) MEDLINE PLUS (2017). Hair loss.https://medlineplus.gov/hairloss.html.

(8) SINCLAIR et al. (2015). Androgenetic alopecia: new insights into thepathogenesis and mechanism of hair loss. F1000Research, 4(F1000 FacultyRev): 585: 1-9.

(9) RAPOSIO et al. (2015). Scalp surgery: quantitative analysis offollicular unit growth. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open,3(10): 1-4.

(10) FIG. 1 of TEUMER et al. (2005, May). Follicular cell implantation:an emerging cell therapy for hair loss. In Seminars in Plastic Surgery(Vol. 19, No. 02, pp. 193-200).

(11) TOYOSHIMA et al. (2012). Fully functional hair follicleregeneration through the rearrangement of stem cells and their niches.Nature communications, 3, 784: 1-12.

(12) DUVERGER et al. (2014). To grow or not to grow: hair morphogenesisand human genetic hair disorders. Seminars in cell & developmentalbiology. Vol. 25: pp. 22-33.

(13) THIEDKE, C. C. (2003). Alopecia in women. American familyphysician, 67(5), 1007-1014.

(14) FOX et al. (2007). Traction folliculitis: an underreported entity.Cutis, 79(1), 26-30.

MIRMIRANI et al. (2014). Traction Alopecia. Dermatologic clinics, 32(2),153-161.

(15) AVITZUR, O. (2013). The dangers of hair extensions: The beautytrend can cause headaches, baldness, and allergic reactions. ConsumerReports. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/02/the-dangers-of-hair-extensions/index.htm.

(16) AHDOUT et al. (2012). Weft hair extensions causing a distinctivehorseshoe pattern of traction alopecia. Journal of the American Academyof Dermatology, 67(6), e294-e295.mpepe

(17) POSWAL et al. (2011). When FUE goes wrong!. Indian journal ofdermatology, 56(5), 517-519.

(18) U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/0188512 (Eaton).

(19) U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,124 (Incando).

(20) U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0065280 (Cheung).

(21) U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0226571 (Rahman).

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Hair Anchor

2 Implant Hair

3 Epidermis

20A. First Attachment Apparatus

20B. Second Attachment Apparatus

20C. Third Attachment Apparatus

20D. Fourth Attachment Apparatus

22. Hair Extension Element

24. Ancillary Hair

26. Solid Hair Bud Structure

28. Hollow Hair Bud Structure

30. Point of Hair Breakage

32. Vertical Sides

34. Horizontal Component

36. Central Point

38. Distal cavity

40. Proximal cavity

42. Adhesive

44. Hollow Core

46. Protrusion

48. Distal End of Implant Hair

50. Ornamental Structure

1.-15. (canceled)
 16. An extension apparatus for an artificial implantedhair element in a patient's epidermis, the artificial implanted hairelement projecting beyond the epidermis and having a distal end, saidapparatus comprising: a hair extension element having distal portion anda proximal portion, said distal portion comprising ancillary hairelements and wherein said ancillary elements comprise bud structures,said bud structures providing points of attachment for further hairextensions if desired; and wherein said proximal portion of said hairextension element is configured for being adhesively connected to thedistal end of the artificial implanted hair element.
 17. The extensionapparatus of claim 16 wherein said hair extension element comprisessynthetic polymers.
 18. The extension apparatus of claim 17 wherein saidhair extension element is a solid hair element. 19.-29. (canceled)
 30. Amethod for forming a hair extension on an artificial implanted hairelement in a patient's epidermis, the artificial implanted hair elementprojecting beyond the epidermis and having a distal end, said methodcomprising: molding a hair extension element having a distal portion anda proximal portion and forming ancillary hair elements, having budstructures thereon, on said distal portion; and adhesively connectingsaid proximal portion of said hair extension element to the distal endof the artificial implanted hair element. 31.-36. (canceled)